Putin Threatens EU Gas Cuts Amid Iran Tensions, Drone Strikes Hit Russia

Putin Leverages Energy Markets Amidst Geopolitical Turmoil

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering halting gas supplies to the European Union before new restrictions take effect, according to statements attributed to him and reported by Russian Telegram channels. This potential move comes as the EU plans to phase out Russian gas, with new restrictions, including a potential complete ban, slated for implementation over the coming years. Putin, however, suggested that alternative markets are emerging, making it potentially more advantageous for Russia to cease supplies to Europe and focus on these new opportunities.

“And it may be more beneficial for us to stop supplies to the European market right now to move to those markets that are opening up and establish ourselves there,” a statement attributed to Putin read. He characterized these remarks as “thinking out loud” but indicated that the Russian government would examine the issue alongside energy companies.

Putin also commented on the broader energy market, expressing confidence that American companies would seek more lucrative markets than Europe. This statement comes amidst heightened global tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has become a focal point for international concern.

NATO Allies Express Support for Actions Against Iran’s Capabilities

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that there is significant support among alliance members for President Donald Trump’s campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. While NATO is not directly participating in operations, Stoltenberg stated that allies are broadly supportive and enabling US actions in the region, aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

“Here in Europe, we know the impact of Iran and the negative impact they can have,” Stoltenberg remarked, referencing concerns over threats and assassination attempts linked to the Iranian regime, as well as risks to the Iranian diaspora.

Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to defending its territory, citing an incident where a missile threat toward Turkey was neutralized by the alliance’s missile defense systems. He also touched upon Article 5 of the NATO treaty, noting that its activation remains intentionally ambiguous, a deliberate strategy to maintain strategic flexibility.

China Steps In as Mediator Amidst Escalating Middle East Tensions

China has announced its intention to send a special envoy to the Middle East to mediate the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, aiming to de-escalate tensions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in achieving a peaceful settlement and urged all parties to return to dialogue and negotiations.

“China strongly urges all parties to return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible and prevent the further escalation of tensions,” Wang Yi emphasized. Beijing has expressed concern over the situation, calling Israeli strikes on Iranian territory unacceptable and advocating for an immediate ceasefire. China also opposes unilateral sanctions, including those threatened by the US against countries maintaining economic ties with Iran.

Ukraine Offers Drone Expertise Amidst Regional Instability

Ukraine has offered its extensive combat experience in intercepting Iranian Shahed drones to its partners, though it will not deploy troops to the Middle East. Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy chief of Ukraine’s defense intelligence, highlighted the practical lessons learned from defending against these drones, emphasizing the need for multi-layered coordination of various defense assets.

“We are not saying that we are going to participate in missions abroad in practice but we offer shared experience since this threat remains relevant for everyone,” Skibitskyi stated. Earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had suggested involving Ukrainian experts to assist Gulf countries in shooting down Iranian drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, noted that no request for such involvement had been received, but indicated Ukraine could help if Arab leaders could persuade Moscow to a ceasefire. Zelenskyy also proposed offering Ukrainian interceptor drones in exchange for Patriot missile defense systems.

US Senate Debates Limiting Presidential War Powers

The U.S. Senate is preparing for a preliminary vote on a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct further military strikes against Iran. The resolution, supported by some Democrats and Republican Senator Rand Paul, seeks to prevent new hostilities. However, it faces significant opposition from the Republican majority, with senators like Lindsey Graham arguing that the president should be allowed to complete his objectives.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also voiced concerns, calling the idea of limiting the president’s power dangerous. Even if the resolution were to pass the Senate, President Trump retains the right to veto it, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.

Azerbaijan Reports Drone Attack From Iranian Territory

Azerbaijan has reported a drone attack originating from Iranian territory, which struck the Nakchivan International Airport. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan stated that the drone hit an airport building, causing a fire and injuring two civilians. Another Iranian drone reportedly fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad.

“We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries to two civilians,” the ministry stated, demanding an explanation and investigation from Iran. Azerbaijan has summoned Iran’s ambassador and reserves the right to take appropriate response measures.

Massive Explosions Rock Russian Regions, Targeting Strategic Sites

The Saratov and Engels regions in Russia experienced a night of significant explosions, with over 60 detonations reported, according to Russian media. Engels hosts a strategic aviation air base, home to Russia’s Tu-95 strategic bombers. The attacks, which began late at night and lasted for several hours, reportedly damaged civilian infrastructure and caused power outages in some districts.

Local authorities described the attack as the most massive of the year. While the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down 48 drones, Ukrainian monitoring resources reported successful hits, particularly targeting an oil refinery in Saratov and the air base in Engels. The situation in the region remains tense as emergency services assess the damage and consequences of the strikes.

Source: 💥Kremlin issued a statement on war! Massive Explosions in Russia: everything is on fire (YouTube)